Panic in the Skies: Passenger Attempts to Open Emergency Exit Mid-Flight

A mid-air scare unfolded on February 28, 2023, aboard a Plus Ultra Airlines flight traveling from Madrid, Spain, to Caracas, Venezuela. Approximately halfway through the journey, a restless passenger attempted to open an emergency exit on the Airbus 330. The incident caused panic among the 194 passengers on board. Quick action by the airline crew prevented a potentially dangerous situation as they detained the individual until the flight reached its destination.

The passenger's unsettling behavior began when he annoyed another traveler with shouts and slaps while they slept. Soon after, he suddenly approached one of the plane's doors, trying to manipulate it.

“This individual suddenly went to one of the doors of the plane trying to manipulate it,” – Plus Ultra spokesperson

Despite being at a low altitude during descent, which allowed air pressure to equalize and made opening the door possible, the crew promptly intervened.

“It is possible at very low altitudes as we’ve seen here for that door to be opened while the aircraft is still in flight,” – former Marine Col. Steve Ganyard

The crew subdued the passenger and followed protocol by securing him at the back of the plane.

“Immediately, our cabin crew subdued the passenger and, following the action protocol, secured him in the back of the plane until he reached the destination,” – Plus Ultra spokesperson

Throughout the remainder of the flight, two crew members continuously monitored the passenger, who was kept lying on the ground to avoid altercations.

“At all times he was accompanied by two people from the crew, lying on the ground and attended to avoid any possible altercation,” – Plus Ultra spokesperson

Tragically, one member of the cabin crew sustained a partial fracture of the fibula during the incident and will be unable to work for several weeks.

“One of our cabin crew suffered a partial fracture of the fibula for which he has already been treated and which will keep him out for a few weeks,” – Plus Ultra spokesperson

Upon landing in Caracas, authorities detained the passenger. The motivation behind his actions remains unclear. The airline's spokesperson confirmed that appropriate measures were taken to ensure passenger safety and minimize disruption during the event.